Welsh site highlights challenges of new guidelines
FLINTSHIRE Woodlands staff have started pre-harvesting work on a commercial forest site in mid-Wales.
Boundaries were marked, fences checked and environmental assessments carried out on a crisp and snowy day in Powys by David Crozier, Senior Forest Manager for Flintshire Woodlands - the trading name of Scottish Woodlands in Wales and parts of England.
The 593 hectares site offers an insight into the challenges placed on commercial forestry by the latest guidelines issued by UKWAS, the UK Woodland Assurance Standard. From October 1st, 2024, woodlands can have a maximum of 65% of one species.
Mr Crozier said: “This forest, an upland Sitka spruce plantation, is certified by UKWAS - but under the new guidelines, we need to reduce the amount of Sitka, and include a wider range of species, so we have re-written the woodland management plan to reflect this."
“The new plan has a wider mix of conifer species, as well as a greater proportion of native broadleaf species to improve the site’s diversity. We will also use the increased broadleaf element to plant around features on the site - including rocky ground, riparian zones and woodland boundaries to enhance the site’s landscape value.”
However, Mr Crozier said, this new approach presented significant challenges.
He explained: “The site is highly exposed and wet, and while Sitka spruce grows well, most other species struggle to thrive in the conditions. That presents a real challenge for the next rotation of planting a mix of species that will provide a sustainable commercial crop.”
The harvested trees will be put to a variety of uses, including construction timber and to create renewable energy in the form of biomass.
